Hey everyone, new to the forum. Recently was given a non-running RX-8 as a project car to slooowly build as time and money allows. The car was not treated very well by its previous owner, had a wonderful ebay powerchip (poorly) installed on it, as well as random generic parts. I got the car running but it wont idle (just dies if you stop feathering the gas). I have NOT done a compression test yet, which I know should really be a starting place, but I have replaced the ignition coils, spark plug wires (plugs are in really good condition, previous owner said they were recently replaced...), done the 20 brake stomp thing, and checked grounds, OH and removed that ebay chip.. haha. Still nothing, open to suggestions but compression test will probably be next to see if its engine or if I need to keep searching for a solution. If its engine then the probability of another renesis is slim, and the car will probably sit for a year or so while I research and save for a swap (if you're triggered, I know - its expensive, it's not easy, and it will take forever). In the mean time I'll keep browsing forums here and see if I can get this thing running!

Previously owned a 96 Miata, thats where my Mazda bug came from, and after that a Mazdaspeed6 that was fully bolted and a ton of fun by the time I let it go (want another one sooo bad, one day). I also film cars in the South West and just wrapped up a Mazdaspeed video - if anyone is interested I'll copy the link below.

 

Welcome...

I suggest waiting for a cold engine (overnight), then 20 brake stomp then start the car without touching the gas. It should start and run at a high idle. If it does, leave it alone, like for 10 minutes. Let it warm up and let the ECU learn the car.

Also, the 2 threads in my sig are good reading..